Not the furry creatures, but a group of pupils helping to keep peace in the playground at a city primary school.

A dozen pupils at Brookvale Primary in Mallard Drive, Erdington, have taken it upon themselves to help prevent bullying by becoming Chipmunks.

Dressed in bright clothing, they patrol the school playground to mediate any conflict that might develop among other pupils.

The nine and ten-year-olds, who are all members of the school council, decided that the best way for their peers to learn how to act responsibly was to set up their own support group.

The Chipmunks are available to help all pupils, and are highly visible during breaktimes and lunchtimes thanks to a special bus stop sign they carry with them.

Senior teacher and school council link worker Ruth Gurney said: "The school council have been very active in deciding ways for fellow pupils to learn how to care for each other, an attitude the school hopes is transferred into secondary school and beyond.

"Wearing bright yellow T-shirts in the summer and red waterproof jackets in the winter, the Chipmunks are looking after pupils at the school aged from four to ten, mediating any issues amongst themselves.

"This initiative has proved a huge success with a reduction in minor incidents reported to staff."

Coun Les Lawrence, Birmingham's cabinet member for education, said: "Bullying at any level is not to be tolerated, so it is particularly pleasing to see pupils as young as nine taking responsibility."